Georgia Harrison Awarded MBE for Advocacy Against Violence Toward Women

In a significant recognition of her advocacy efforts, Georgia Harrison, a prominent figure from the reality television landscape, has been awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her dedicated work in combating violence against women and girls. The 30-year-old former contestant on 'Love Island' expressed her astonishment at receiving this honor, stating she had to read the congratulatory letter from King Charles III 'three times' to fully grasp its meaning.

Harrison, who has been vocal about her personal experiences with intimate image abuse, has actively participated in legislative discussions, including her contributions to the 2023 Online Safety Act. This legislation aims to enhance protections for victims of online abuse and to regulate the dissemination of harmful content on social media platforms.

Reflecting on her journey, Harrison recounted the traumatic experience of her ex-partner, Stephen Bear, being jailed for 21 months in 2023 after he uploaded intimate footage of the couple to the subscription service OnlyFans without her consent. Following this incident, she sought justice not only for herself but also for countless other women facing similar predicaments. “It feels nice to have my work recognized because with campaigning sometimes you feel like a lot goes unnoticed,” she shared with the BBC.

Harrison's commitment extends beyond personal vindication; she emphasizes a broader mission to educate young people about consent and respect through workshops in schools. A recent survey conducted by the National Education Union indicated that three in five teachers believe social media negatively impacts student behavior, with certain influencers, including Andrew Tate, cited as contributing factors. Harrison expressed her concern over the rising misogyny associated with such figures, stating, “I’d be scared to have a teenager right now, being completely honest.”

In her advocacy, Harrison has been involved in policy discussions with the Women and Equalities Committee, where she has pushed for legislative reforms to extend the reporting window for sexual offenses. Currently, victims can only report crimes to the police within six months, a timeline she argues is insufficient for those recovering from trauma.

Her latest initiatives have also focused on the alarming rise in deepfake technology, where artificial intelligence is misused to create realistic but unauthorized content. According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse images surged by 380% from 2023 to 2024. Harrison's efforts aim to raise awareness of this issue, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations against the creation and distribution of such material.

As she prepares to become a mother, Harrison expresses a hope that future generations will benefit from the educational initiatives currently being implemented. “I’d like to think by the time my child gets to the age where consent becomes an issue, things are going to be a lot better,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to creating a safer environment for all.

Georgia Harrison's recognition through the MBE is not just a personal accolade but a testament to her impactful work in championing women's rights and advocating for systemic change in society. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the importance of education and legislation in fostering a culture of respect and consent.